The number of live mortgage schemes available to intermediaries has fallen for the first time in nine months, according to Mortgage Brain’s Monthly Product Analysis.

The total number of live mortgage schemes listed on its sourcing system fell by 4% during March, down from 4,876 (on 1 March) to 4,665 (on 5 April).

The longer term analysis, however shows a 51% uplift in overall product availability compared to this time last year, and a 63% increase compared to six months ago.

Variable rate products fared the best, increasing for the fourth month in a row (4%), with current figures listing 384 products, up from 369.

The number of fixed rate products fell slightly for the first time in six months (1%), with current figures listing 2,840 of all available products. Trackers were the worst hit in the past month down 11% from 1,623 (as of 1st March 2010) to now stand at 1,441.

The 12 month analysis for all three, however, also makes for favourable reading with current figures showing increases of 28% (variable), 33% (fixed) and 121% for trackers.

Mark Lofthouse, CEO of Mortgage Brain, said: “The UK mortgage market